Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially if you have never done it before. Because of this, it may also be difficult and daunting to ask for help regarding the matter. Fortunately, a lactation consultant from naytal.uk can give you the peace of mind you need during a stressful time by giving valuable advice and answering all your questions and concerns about the matter.
And even if you’re already experienced breastfeeding before, a lactation consultant may also come in handy if you suddenly encounter breastfeeding issues. The right lactation consultant helps ensure that you meet your needs and guarantees the best results for breastfeeding so that you and your baby are in good health.
Why Breastfeed?
Most health experts agree that breast milk is the best nutritional option for infants and babies. This is because breastfeeding helps protect against infections, chronic conditions, and allergies at the same time. Compared to formula-fed infants, breastfed babies tend to have fewer hospitalizations and infections, which is largely due to the germ-fighting factors and antibodies that they get from breast milk. It lowers an infant’s chances of getting diarrhea, respiratory infections, meningitis, ear infections, diabetes, asthma, and more. If you are having problems with handling breastfeeding challenges, consulting a virtual lactation consultant can provide you with expert guidance and support, helping to overcome these difficulties and ensure your baby continues to receive the optimal benefits of breast milk.
Moreover, breast milk is also deemed as the ideal food for the baby’s digestive system since the components of breast milk – fat, lactose, and protein – are digested by newborns easily. Digestion becomes easier and provides newborns with the minerals and vitamins that newborns typically require.
But while all of this is true, it’s worth noting that not everyone can breastfeed, and breastfeeding remains a personal decision. This decision mainly lies on someone’s level of comfort, medical situations, and overall lifestyle.
Even so, several studies discovered that certain challenges such as milk supply and painful nipples are common factors in a mother’s choice to discontinue breastfeeding. In fact, roughly 60% of people in the United States stop breastfeeding earlier than they should have.
With this in mind, the help of a board-certified lactation consultant is significant in alleviating such challenges, thus improving a parent’s chance to pursue breastfeeding for as long as they prefer.
What is a Lactation Consultant?
A lactation consultant is basically a certified health professional who specializes in the area of breastfeeding. They mainly help infants and parents who experience issues regarding milk supply, breastfeeding positions, and sore nipples, among many other nursing problems. There are also other lactation consultants that work with birthing centers and hospitals, while some offer private services or practices.
Lactation consultants go through certification and specialized training to provide guidance, support, and advice to people who prefer to breastfeed. You’d usually need on during your baby’s first few weeks of life when they’re still trying to learn how to feed on your breast. You can also visit a lactation consultant during your pregnancy, after giving birth, or during your breastfeeding period. From surrogate mothers, first-time parents, or parents who have already breastfed multiple children, a lactation consultant is a great help to anyone.
How lactation consultants can help
It’s best to remember that your baby’s first few weeks are the most crucial time to begin breastfeeding, which is why you may need the help to make sure you get it right. Your lactation consultant can assist and work with you and your newborn to elevate your chances of having a successful breastfeeding experience.
A lactation consultant can also help address certain issues such as:
- Problems in pumping breastmilk
- Refusal to breastfeed
- Poor supply of milk
- Finding a comfortable breastfeeding position
- Falling asleep at the breast
- Breast engorgement
- Poor infant weight gain
- Trouble latching, tongue-tie, or sucking
- Cracked or sore nipples and breast pain
Breastfeeding is a tough ordeal to go through, both physically and emotionally. Besides assisting with nipple soreness or discomfort, a lactation consultant can also serve as a strong emotional support system who can encourage you throughout your journey, especially for first-time parents who are struggling.
What can you learn from a lactation consultant?
Lactation consultants are certified and specially trained to assist you with any concerns or problems you may have related to breastfeeding your infant or baby. They can provide you with the reassurance you need and also troubleshoot certain issues about the matter. Most importantly, you can also learn:
- To recognize your infant’s hunger cues
- To determine an appropriate feeding schedule
- How to maintain or increase milk supply
- To use a breast pump to express breastmilk
- To ensure your baby is gaining weight
- Treatment for cracked or sore nipples
- To make sure that your baby is sucking or latching properly
- Treatment for breast engorgement
- Finding the most comfortable nursing position for you and your baby
